Dec 23, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon (14) warms up before the start of the game against the New England Patriots at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Smith was an amazing athlete. He’s the all time leader in receptions for the Jaguars, led the team in receptions for 9 straight seasons to be exact, and was voted to the Pro Bowl five times. More importantly, he’s one of my favorite Jaguars of all time. But with all those acollades, he had a problem. Many problems actually. And they all started with a problem of making bad decisions. Decisions that led to multiple run ins with the law.

I thought Justin Blackmon was a pipe dream prior to the 2012 NFL Draft. He was electrifying to watch in college and I felt he’d be long gone by the time the Jags were on the clock. He was the consensus #1 wideout by a long shot. His only red flag was a DUI he got while in college. Just a bad decision, right? Then in June of last year he received another DUI. Another “bad decision” that led to a delayed signing by the Jaguars, as they had to protect themselves by creating a safety net contract. Then, just days after the 2013 draft, another bad decision led to Blackmon being suspended for four games to start the season. Are you seeing the trend here?

Blackmon recently stated he doesn’t feel he has a substance abuse problem. But his track record might say otherwise. As the 2013 season begins, Justin Blackmon will start the season on suspension for violating the league policy on substance abuse, at the same time  Jimmy Smith will be serving a 6 year sentence for drug possession and firearms charges. Although I do hope that Blackmon is like Smith on the field, I can only hope he’s the furthest thing from him off the field. Despite a prolific NFL career, Jimmy Smith will primarily be remembered for his bad decisions that led to his demise. So take note Mr. Blackmon and try to learn from the mistakes of a former Jaguar great.

- Jason Abarca

January 1,2013; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half of the 2013 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Michigan Wolverines 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The past couple of weeks have shown us a sign of things to come. First, the Jaguars did NOT draft their Quarterback of the future in 2013. Signing a couple of QB competitors in Draft Free Agency is hardly the future of Jacksonville. A few days later, Justin Blackmon gets suspended for four games to start the season off on the wrong foot. Then the news comes out that Blaine Gabbert will be given every oppurtunity to prove that he’s the future of the organization. All of these headlines scream one thing, “High First Round Selection”. The new regime isn’t looking at building a team just for next season, but building a team for many seasons to come. So with that, let’s look into the future and see who the Jaguars might be picking.

Jadeveon Clowney, DE South Carolina: (2012- 54 Tackles/13 Sacks/3Forced Fumbles) If you haven’t seen the hit he put on Michigan’s Vincent Smith, you must be living under a rock. He was the top recruit coming out of High School and will be the best player coming out of College. He’s been labeled the “Andrew Luck of defensive players” and a player of his caliber only comes along once every 10 – 15 years. He’s dominated the past two years in the SEC and he’s not even remotly close to reaching his full potential. Regardless of how bad the Jaguars need a Franchise QB, Clowney is a player you don’t pass on and will give Luck, Locker & Co. nightmares for years to come.

Johnny Manziel, QB Texas A&M: (2012- Passing 3706/26TD/9Int, Rushing 1410/21TD) Johnny Football reminds me of the QB play of Drew Brees and the athletisism of Cam Newton. Watching him is like watching a video game. People will pick him apart, looking for any kind of flaw. Too short, doesn’t go through all his reads, not an “NFL Quarterback”. News Flash, there’s a new NFL and a new NFL quarterback. Just look at what RG3, Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson accomplished last year. Taking Manziel and pairing him with his favorite Left Tackle in Luke Joeckel and you’ve got a recipe to turn the AFC South upside down.

Teddy Bridgewater, QB Louisville: (2012- Passing 3718/27TD/8Int, Rushing 26/1TD) Teddy Bridewater plays with the type of swagger you see in Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco. Not cocky or arrogant, but calm and collected. He plays with confidence in his abilites and plays with brains before brawn. He reminded people that Louisville is something more than a basketball power house. NFL size, smarts, accurate and can use his wheels to get out of trouble. He also picks defenses apart before the ball is snapped. As long he keeps it up, there’s no reason he won’t be in the conversation for the #1 pick.

With the way things are lining up, I just don’t see the Jags picking outside of the top three next year. If Gabbert makes vast improvments, then great. If not, then even better. Next year’s class will have “Elite” talent at various positions. Example, taking Clowney at #1 you’d still be able to grab someone like A.J. McCarron or Aaron Murray at the top of the second round. Both of which would have gone before any QB this year IMO. I’m looking forward to a bright future in Jacksonville and them contending in the next 3-4 years.

-Jason Abarca

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 NFL Draft is upon us and we can’t wait to get to the picks.  In the hours before the draft there will be information flying as tams prepare their final smokescreens and jostle for the best position to pick future franchise stars.  The draft used to be a back-room process with limited media coverage.  These days it’s a national celebration for football fans who watch their favorite college prospects land with their team or with rival franchises.  Second to the Super Bowl, the NFL Draft demands our attention better than any other time on the football schedule.

Speaking of the schedule, what’s going on starting tomorrow?  Here are all the coverage details you’ll need.

What: 2013 NFL Draft

Where:  Radio City Music Hall, New York City, New York

When: April 25-27

• Round 1: April 25, 8:00 PM EST
• Rounds 2-3:  April 26, 6:30 PM EST
• Rounds 4-7: April 27, 12:00 PM EST

TV Coverage:  NFL Network

Online Coverage:  nfl.com/LIVE (complementary coverage and analysis)

The 2013 NFL Draft promises to be one of the more exciting in recent years.  The first pick is up for grabs still, the top five are still undecided, and the bottom part of the first round is anybody’s guess.  There’s a lot of talent in this year’s pool, likely making it one of the better drafts to watch live as teams scramble to get more players and more picks.

As always, check here throughout the NFL Draft for quality news and Jacksonville Jaguars analysis.

- Luke N. Sims

Feel free to leave comments on here or visit us at Facebook or Twitter!

You can also find me on Twitter @LukeNSims